Within the framework of his keenness and close follow-up on the work progress of Bahrain Space Team, H.E. Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), chaired a meeting that was attended by engineer Dr. Mohamed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, engineer Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al-Aseeri, Chief Executive Officer of NSSA and a number of senior officials of both parties, together with Bahrain Space Team currently present at the sisterly state of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting reviewed the latest developments on the progress of the team’s work and research projects, and on the challenges faced in their study of current circumstances with the aim of overcoming obstacles.

The meeting covered several joint projects and highlighted the most prominent achievements and a few prospective projects. The discussion was held within the objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding concluded by both parties. The meeting also discussed the progress made in the project to build a joint 3U Satellite, which is currently being built by young people of both countries. The satellite will be subjected, next March, to a set of technical tests to ensure compatibility with launching standards. It is anticipated that the joint satellite will be launched to the International Space Station during August next year. In October 2021, the satellite will be launched into space and will become the first satellite for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

On this occasion, the Minister states: ‘I am very proud of the enthusiasm which I have noticed on the Bahraini youth and their great passion for gaining the latest knowledge and information for their mastery of all such knowledge and for distinction in such a record period of time. The praise that I have heard today from officials at the UAE Space Agency is the best evidence on the proper selection of the team members and on the success of investment in building such national space capabilities.’

The Minister concluded his statement by evaluating the efforts provided by the UAE Space Agency. He pointed out that this is not something unexpected from our people in the sisterly state of the United Arab Emirates, by saying, ‘They are keen on the success of all cooperative projects with NSSA and all members of the Bahrain National Space Science Agency.’ His Excellency the Minister also praised the efforts of NSSA and of all members of Bahrain’s team who endeavored to achieve NSSA’s objectives to bring the name of the Kingdom of Bahrain higher recognition.

On his part, NSSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al-Aseeri, said: ‘We are very pleased with this meeting, which emphasizes the level of attention that NSSA attaches to all its members and their close follow-up of the highest levels. This gives them the confidence and motivation to serve this dear country. We have seen the distinguished and varied accomplishments achieved by Bahrain’s Space Team, which prove their worth and entitlement to bear this name. The Kingdom of Bahrain is entitled to be proud of them. All thanks and appreciation go to the brothers in the UAE Space Agency for providing Bahrain’s team members the care, sponsorship and attention that enabled them to attain such an exceptional level in space engineering and sciences within a relatively record time.’

Created in 2018, Bahrain’s space team comprises an elite mix of Bahraini male and female engineers and technicians. They were selected by a precise mechanism jointly prepared by space specialists from the sisterly states of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.